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The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast

Andrew Barnikel, Connor Wright
MLS
Major League Soccer
Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati
Philadelphia Union
Leagues Cup
Atlanta United
Vancouver Whitecaps
MLS Cup
Lionel Messi
Seattle Sounders
Sporting Kansas City
US Open Cup
MLS Cup Playoffs
CF Montreal
New England Revolution
New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire
San Jose Earthquakes
FC Dallas

We are The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast! Your home for all things MLS, Past Present and Future! Hosted by Andrew Barnikel and Connor Wright

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes500Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerNewsSportsSports News

Listen to this Podcast

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Latest Episodes

In this episode, we take on one of YouTube's most viral soccer challenges with an MLS twist, AGAIN! Pick two teams, a take one player for each position in a combined XI! Can you make a better team than us? 

0:00 - Scarf of the Week

2:01 - 2023 STL v... more

YouTube

In this episode, we are joined by Chad from For The Glory KC to chat about what went wrong with Sporting KC's 2026 season to cause them to miss the playoffs!

0:00 - Scarf of the Week

2:13 - Roster Build and Head Coach

4:54 - Underperforming Contract... more

YouTube

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series where we retell the stories of MLS history. We've gone through all the team's subreddits and asked for different stories they remember about their teams, and we've got a list o... more

YouTube

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we are beginning the discussion on the MLS offseason! With the season wrapping up for many teams, roster decisions will be made very soon and we wanted to get in our p... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Chad Smith
Editor at the KC Soccer Journal and host of a podcast with his wife
KC Soccer Journal
Episode: Episode 498: What Went Wrong With Sporting KC's 2026 Season, ft For The Glory KC!
Paul Sokoloff
Red Bull 2 player, US Youth National Team player
New York Red Bulls II
Episode: Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Timber Joey Webber
Current Timber Joey, long-time mascot and notable figure associated with the log tradition
Portland Timbers
Episode: Episode 452: The Portland Timbers' Log Cutting Tradition! MLS History Retold!
Mike Ace Palane
Mike from Orlando Lions Den, Orlando City coverage
Orlando Lions Den
Episode: Episode 447: Griezmann to MLS, Apple TV Week 1 Numbers and Coaches on the Hot Seat ft Orlando Lions Den!
Bob V
Soccer analyst and podcaster
The Designated Pundits
Episode: Episode 446: The State Of MLS Media with Bob From The Designated Pundits!
Favian Renkel
Friend of the pod and official host at KickBase USA
KickBase USA
Episode: Episode 445: What We Missed This MLS Offseason ft Favian Renkel!
Brian Mauer
Content creator and podcaster at Top In 90
Top In 90
Episode: Episode 440: A Not So Deep Dive Into Charlotte FC's 2026 Season ft TopBin90!
Matt Baker
Covers St. Louis City details, including training and game analysis.
Flyover Footy
Episode: Episode 439: A Not So Deep Dive Into St Louis City's 2026 Season ft Flyover Footy!
Kerry Redman
Member of the New York Red Bulls Discussion Group Podcast and an insightful fan.
New York Red Bulls Discussion Group Podcast
Episode: Episode 436: A Not So Deep Dive Into Red Bull New York's 2026 Season ft NYRBDG Podcast!

Hosts

Andrew Barnikel
Host of The Designated Players An MLS Podcast
Connor Wright
Co-host of The Designated Players An MLS Podcast

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 41 ratings
  • Good pod

    Guys do a good job and are talented at podcasting. However knowledge could be stronger. For example how can you repeatedly call the league MVP “Luchy.” It’s Lucho. And similar mistakes that makes me wonder how much soccer you watch. It’s like having an nba podcast and calling him “dabron james.”

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    CompetitivePokemonAllTheWay
    United States2 years ago
  • English

    Please learn how to speak English

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    g3423
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Podcast to get your weekly MLS updates, awesome interview guests from all over the country, and a real fun time overall!

    Podchaser
    5
    Andrew Barnikel
    7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners enjoy the mix of tactical analysis with accessible, casual discussion.
Fans appreciate the sharp MLS insights and banter, but some critique accuracy on specific player names or stats.
The show's personality and MLS focus help it stand out among soccer podcasts, though some episodes lean heavily into heated debates.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 498: What Went Wrong With Sporting KC's 2026 Season, ft For The Glory KC!
Q: Where do you think in that back line is the one A that you need to shore up?
Smith is less concerned about right back and says the club needs a defensive midfielder to shield the defense, plus defensive reinforcements and a new goalkeeper.
Episode 498: What Went Wrong With Sporting KC's 2026 Season, ft For The Glory KC!
Q: Has Rafa Wicky done anything to earn a spot next season, even with all of the chips stacked against him?
Smith says the late and incomplete roster may justify giving Wicky another chance, but he personally would prefer Dom Kinnear as interim coach and is unsure Wicky should remain.
Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Q: How would you describe your role and development as an attacking midfielder, and what qualities do you think set you apart?
I focus on mentality and bravery in big moments, while refining the midfield actions to contribute to the attack from between the lines and create chances.
Episode 457: Pathway To Pro ft Paul Sokoloff From RBNY2!
Q: Talk to us about that moment, stepping on the field for the very first time.
It was surreal and unexpected, but it crystallized the idea that relentless preparation can create breakthroughs when you least expect them.
Episode 448: MLS Coaches Continue To Fail In Europe ft Celtic: The Unrestricted View Podcast!
Q: Do you think that the reputation of MLS managers is now going to be limited because of these two coaches who have not been successful?
Yes, it could hurt perceptions in some boards, leading teams to search more broadly and conduct more interviews, but it's not fair to judge all MLS managers by two mid-season failures; there will still be opportunities for others who can adapt and show results.”

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Designated Players

What is The Designated Players about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This MLS-focused show blends hot takes, tactical analysis, and fan banter across a wide range of topics from on-field innovations to league governance and big-picture soccer debates. Episodes frequently cover World Cup previews and results, MLS team performance, player spotlights, and roster-building discussions, often through a two-host dynamic that leans into bold predictions and lively互 banter. The tone balances data-driven observations with personality-driven storytelling, making it appealing to listeners who enjoy deep soccer discussion punctuated by candid opinions, club allegiances, and MLS-contextual insight. A notable strength is the hosts' ability to connect current league narratives with broader international soccer happenings, c... more

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How many episodes of The Designated Players are there?

The Designated Players launched 7 years ago and published 500 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Designated Players?

Recent guests on The Designated Players include:

1. Chad Smith
2. Paul Sokoloff
3. Timber Joey Webber
4. Mike Ace Palane
5. Bob V
6. Favian Renkel
7. Brian Mauer
8. Matt Baker

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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